Saim Ayub sidelined for six weeks, misses BPL and Champions Trophy doubts loom
The injury not only ends his participation in the ongoing series but also rules him out of the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), where he was set to represent Dhaka Capitals.
Pakistan opener Saim Ayub has been sidelined for six weeks after sustaining a right ankle fracture during the opening day of the second Test against South Africa at Newlands on 3 january.
The injury not only ends his participation in the ongoing series but also rules him out of the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), where he was set to represent Dhaka Capitals.
The 21-year-old suffered the injury while fielding in the seventh over. Ryan Rickelton edged a ball past the slips, prompting a chase to deep third by both Saim and Aamer Jamal. As Jamal managed to pull the ball back, Saim positioned himself as the relay fielder but lost his balance and twisted his ankle.
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Subsequent MRI scans later on the same day confirmed a fracture, and his ankle has been placed in a medical moon boot to aid recovery. Saim was stretchered off the field immediately after the incident.
Saim's injury is a significant blow for the Dhaka Capitals, who had been optimistic about his availability later in the tournament. The opener missed the start of the BPL due to national team commitments, but hopes of his eventual participation have now been dashed.
The injury also raises doubts over Saim's availability for the ICC Champions Trophy, with Pakistan's management keeping a close eye on his recovery timeline.
Despite being ruled out, Saim will remain with the Pakistan squad in South Africa until the conclusion of the series, before returning home with the team.
